VOLUNTEERS at a Tynedale retreat centre donated 8,344 hours of their time, amounting to almost £65,000 in free labour, during the first six months of the year.

The volunteer workforce at Minsteracres, which sits in 110 acres of land on the borders of Northumberland and County Durham between Corbridge and Consett, are crucial to the success of the centre. And now the team, which carries out administration, outreach, housekeeping, hospitality and gardening tasks, is appealing for more support.

“Now that summer is over we know people with time on their hands start to think about how to fill it and many look for opportunities to volunteer,” said Jean Haldane, volunteer coordinator at Minsteracres. “If that’s you, you’re in luck! We have a thriving volunteer workforce active inside and outdoors, but especially in our dining room.”

For more information call 01434 673248 or email info@minsteracres.org.